Cascading eyelashes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to eyelash structures, kits comprising said eyelash structures and methods for preparing the same. The eyelash structures of the invention comprise at least two eyelash units, which optionally differ in terms of design, material, length and curvature, are connected in a cascading fashion. The invention further provides a kit comprising said eyelash structures, and optionally a glue. In addition, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing the eyelash structures of the invention.

BACKGROUND

Eyelashes, designed to be affixed to the natural lash line of the eyelidto add length, thickness and fullness to naturally present eyelashes,are known in the prior art. They are available in various lengths,colors, thicknesses, and designs, from natural-looking to dramatic. Theymay further contain adornments, such as feathers, rhinestones, etc.

It can be desirable to combine two or more eyelash units in order toenhance their look or create a new overall appearance. Typically,eyelash units are combined by stacking or doubling their eyelash bandson top of one another (“stacked eyelashes”).

However, stacked eyelashes have several disadvantages. Because the bandsare stacked on top of each other, they are very thick and inflexible. Alot of glue is needed to keep the eyelash bands stuck together and toattach them to the eyelid, and the excess glue tends to stick to thenaturally present eyelashes, which will easily be ripped out. Theinflexible thick eyelash band and the excess glue further can irritatethe eye, and is uncomfortable to wear. Because of their inflexibility,stacked eyelash bands also tend to detach from the eyelid, which resultsin unappealing lifting edges and decreases their wearing time unlessmore glue is used to re-attach them. The stacked eyelash bands as wellas the excess glue which is needed to keep stacked eyelashes in placewhich tends to form visible clumps upon drying, can result in anartificial, unappealing look.

In addition, stacked eyelashes are not easily reusable. Because a lot ofglue is needed to keep them attached, once they removed from the eyelid,the dried glue forming a comparably thick, uneven layer has to beremoved before the eyelashes can be attached to the eyelid again, usingfresh glue. However, upon removing excess dried glue, the stackedeyelash bands easily rip apart. As an alternative to stacked eyelashesmanufacturers provide eyelashes having twice the amount of lashfilaments on one band.

Thus, in sum, stacked eyelashes are produced and are on the market. Thesame is true for eyelashes having twice the amount of lash filaments.However, both variants of eyelashes do not yet satisfy the needs anddemands of customers as regards their appearance of the eyes, while atthe same time eyelashes shall particularly be comfortable to wear andshall preferably be reusable.

It is therefore the intention of the present invention to provide asolution to the problems satisfy the needs and demands in the prior art.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an eyelash structurecomprising at least two eyelash units, each of which comprises anelongated mounting portion and lash filaments, wherein the mountingportions of said at least two eyelash units are connected in a cascadingfashion.

In one embodiment, the eyelash structure comprises 2, 3, 4, or 5 eyelashunits.

In one embodiment, the eyelash units are connected permanently.

In one embodiment, the eye lash units are (exclusively) connected viathe mounting portions.

In one embodiment, the connection can be mediated by glue or heat.

In one embodiment, at least two eyelash units are different. The eyelashunits can differ from each other in terms of design, color, and/orlength.

In one embodiment, the lash filaments of the at least two eyelash unitsare different. The lash filaments can differ from each other in terms ofdesign, color, length, and/or thickness. In one embodiment, the lashfilaments can be natural or synthetic.

In one embodiment, the elongated mounting portion of the at least twoeyelash units is transparent or colored.

In one embodiment, the eyelash units are in the form of a full strip,corner lash, or a plurality of subassemblies.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a kit comprising aneyelash structure as defined herein, optionally comprising a glue.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a package comprisingan eyelash structure as defined in herein, optionally comprising orhaving imprinted instructions for use. The package is preferablytransparent.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for theproduction of an eyelash structure as defined herein, the methodcomprising selecting at least two eyelash units from a pre-determinedplurality of given eyelash units and connecting them in a cascadingfashion. By that eyelash structures of the same or different providersthat may offer a pre-determined plurality can be combined.

It must be noted that as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and“the”, include plural references unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a reagent” includes one ormore of such different reagents and reference to “the method” includesreference to equivalent steps and methods known to those of ordinaryskill in the art that could be modified or substituted for the methodsdescribed herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “at least” preceding a series ofelements is to be understood to refer to every element in the series.Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

The term “and/or” wherever used herein includes the meaning of “and”,“or” and “all or any other combination of the elements connected by saidterm”.

The term “about” or “approximately” as used herein means within 20%,preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value orrange. It includes, however, also the concrete number, e.g., about 20includes 20.

The term “less than” or “greater than” includes the concrete number. Forexample, less than 20 means less than or equal to. Similarly, more thanor greater than means more than or equal to, or greater than or equalto, respectively.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integer or step. Whenused herein the term “comprising” can be substituted with the term“containing” or “including” or sometimes when used herein with the term“having”.

When used herein “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claim element. When used herein,“consisting essentially of” does not exclude materials or steps that donot materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim.

In each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of theother two terms.

It should be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, or material described herein and as such canvary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

All publications and patents cited throughout the text of thisspecification (including all patents, patent applications, scientificpublications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.),whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that theinvention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of priorinvention. To the extent the material incorporated by referencecontradicts or is inconsistent with this specification, thespecification will supersede any such material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the assembly of an eyelash structure of the invention fromthree eyelash units of different styles. A Eyelash structure of twodifferent eyelash units connected via their mounting portions in acascading fashion B Affixation of a third eyelash unit via its mountingportion in a cascading fashion C Eyelash structure comprising threedifferent eyelash units.

FIG. 2 shows two illustrative examples of cascading eyelashes. Inparticular, a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit—marked by “2”—isplaced on top of the lash filaments of a first eyelash unit—marked by“1”. In the alternative, a first eyelash unit—marked by “1”—is placedunder/below a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit—marked by “2”.

FIG. 3 shows in A and B illustrative examples of cascading eyelashes. Inparticular, a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit—marked by “2”—isplaced on top of the lash filaments of a first eyelash unit—marked by“1”. In the alternative, a first eyelash unit—marked by “1”—is placedunder/below a subsequent (or second) eyelash unit—marked by “2”.

Eyelash structures having alongitudinal section as is illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B, 3B and 3C are preferred ones of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows how an eyelash structure of the present invention can beprepared.

FIG. 5 shows how a multiple layer eyelash structure of the presentinvention can be prepared.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventor, for the first time, developed a way to combineeyelash units in a cascading fashion (resulting in so called “cascadingeyelashes” or “staggered eyelashes”). Said cascading eyelashes combineat least two eyelash units for an intensified look, and/or an eclecticdesign. In contrast to stacked eyelashes, the eyelash units of thecascading eyelashes of the invention are not connected by stacking theireyelash bands on top of each other, but rather in a staggered orcascading fashion.

Indeed, the inventor found that the biggest problem for a skilledartisan in the field of artificial eyelashes is that homemade andprofessional doubled or multilayered lashes are dysfunctional. When oneis trying to stick together eyelash units, then a customer will stickthe bands directly on top of one another. If so, this results insomewhat which may resemble the professional versions offered, forexample, by a provider such as Eylure, where lashes are “doubled” thatare premade as well; again with the bands on top of one another, i.e.stacked. Apart from that, stacked lashes were always thought to bear therisk that the extra added lashes are visible in a way which makes youfeel uncomfortable. Thus, when somehow would have thought of doublinglashes, there was a fear of the artificial obviousness, all the more, ifthe lash bands are stacked or connected in a cascading fashion.Moreover, skilled artisans when thinking of doubling lashes, would havethought that one cannot wear the cascading eyelashes of the presentinvention without eyeliner, since otherwise a customer would not looknatural. This is because bands are normally so thick that one cannotwear them without heavy liner. Furthermore, skilled artisans would havethought that the extending lash bands are noticeable. Hence, skilledartisans would have feared to prepare lashes in a cascading fashion asthe present invention does, because they are so used to seeing thesethick bands that they do not understand using a thin band or invisibleband will make it nearly impossible to see the extra bands.

However, much to the surprise of the inventor, the cascading eyelashstructures as provided herein makes customers look more natural and thecascading fashion in which eyelash units are connected is no issue atall, but gives a customer a natural look. The natural look can be evenmore natural with, for example, a thin band, and/or with an invisibleband for optimum discreetness. Hence, eyelash structures of the presentinvention having a thin band and/or even an invisible band arepreferred.

A great advantage of the present invention is that cascading eyelashstructures are more flexible than stacked eyelashes known from the priorart, thus enabling comfortable and long wearing. In addition, in orderto apply the eyelash structures of the invention, less glue is needed,because only one band of eyelashes will come into contact with theeyelid. This means less waste of glue, less visible clumps of driedglue, and less irritation to the eye. In addition, the thinner softeyelash band is also much less inclined to pull out the naturallypresent lashes.

As an additional advantage, the cascading eyelashes of the invention arereadily reusable. Because they are not connected by affixing theireyelash bands on top of each other, dried glue can easily be removedfrom the only eyelash band which comes into contact with the eyelidwhile all other eyelash bands remain untouched. Thus, the cascadingeyelashes of the invention are readily available for several uses.

Another advantage of the eyelash structure of the present inventionallows combining different colors, lengths, thickness and styles ofeyelashes. It furthermore provides double the adhesive area of mountingportions which decreases the need of re-applying the eyelashes to theeye. Accordingly, the present invention provides eyelash structurescomposed of multiple layers of eyelashes (2 or more) of differentcolors, lengths, thickness and/or styles connected to each other in acascading fashion.

Further advantages of the eyelash structure of the present inventionare:

—less tension, —increased wear, increased comfort, —increaseddiscretion, —ability to stack multiple layers comfortably, —increasedvariety, —“user friendly” for all skill level customers, —easyapplication, —increased durability, —increased re-application,—increased market, layered lashes for every walk of life, —moreaesthetically pleasing, —easily conforms to shape of eye.

Indeed, the unique construction of the cascading multi-layer eyelashstructures of the present invention is able to provide optimum customersatisfaction. The preferably thin mounting portion (sometimes alsoreferred to herein as “band” or “lash band”) is able to easily conformto the round shape of the eye increasing the wear, amount of uses, andcomfort of the eyelash structure of the present invention. Theadditional layers are attached to the initial mounting portion in acascading fashion as described herein, which reduces tension that wouldbe created if eyelash were combined directly on top of one another; the“sandwich” effect. With reduced tension the eyelash structure of thepresent invention feel lighter and are easier to bend and contort. Thisalso eliminates the issue of the corners of the bands detaching from oneanother where they are combined, or the eyelash corners lifting off theconsumer's eyes. This construction creates maximum durability.

Moreover, cascading the eyelash units as described herein provides athinner lash band that gives the customer a natural lash line that caneither be enhanced with a thin black band, which eliminates the need foreyeliner or an invisible band for maximum discretion. For example, withall eyelash units combined having used invisible bands it is virtuallyimpossible to see where the additional lashes are attached. For thosewho would like to eliminate the need for eyeliner, with a thin blackband and all additional lashes combined being combined with invisibleband to remain discreet about the layering. For customers who prefer tohave all lash bands be combined by a thin black band, the cascadingconstruction can be finessed to be carefully placed closer to the firstlash band to hide layering.

By providing the eyelash structure of the present invention, theinventor provide an enhanced lash line for those who want to skip thestep of applying eyeliner; the inventor eliminates the need for mascarawith the fullness of layering lashes, and for those who want to look asnatural as possible, invisible lash bands can prevent the ability todetect false lashes. The eyelash structure of the present inventionmeets the need of the average customer who is not advanced in makeup butwants to join the latest craze of layering lashes by providing thelashes premade in an easy to apply construction; making it more userfriendly. The present invention thus meets the need of makeup artistswho want to layer eyelash structures, but would like to save the time byhaving them premade, but needs them to be the same quality that they canmake by hand, with the same durability and wear. Furthermore, thepresent invention also meets the need of the average woman who wants toenhance her look in the professional world while joining the new trend,by providing layered lashes that can be “day looks”; which is fulfillinga need that the market has left behind, as most “stacked” lashes provideonly dramatic night looks.

The beauty of the present invention is that the construction can beapplied to any style of lash, and any type of lash, (natural orsynthetic); this meets every customers needs across the spectrum as faras age, profession, skill level, and preference. Accordingly, theeyelash structures of the present invention fills a gap that is in themarket.

The above being said, in a first aspect, the present invention relatesto an eyelash structure comprising at least two eyelash units, each ofwhich comprises an elongated mounting portion and lash filaments,wherein said eyelash structure is characterized in that said mountingportions of said at least two eyelash units are connected in a cascadingfashion. It is preferred that the eyelash structure of the presentinvention is premade, preferably premade for customers. “Premade” meansthat the eyelash structure is ready-for-use, i.e., it can be readilyapplied to the eyelid by the usual means and methods. Sometimes the term“eyelash structure” is equivalently used with the term “eyelashes” or“lashes”. Similarly, the term “mounting portion” is sometimesequivalently used with the term “band” or its plural form “bands”.

In practice, when at last two eyelash units are connected in a cascadingfashion, a subsequent eyelash unit can be placed on top of a firsteyelash unit, i.e. in ascending fashion, such that the mounting portionof the subsequent eyelash unit is not in direct contact with themounting portion of the first eyelash unit. Specifically, the subsequenteyelash unit is placed on top of the lash filaments of a first eyelashunit such that the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit isnot in direct contact with the mounting portion of the first eyelashunit. As a result of this connection, the mounting portion of thesubsequent eyelash unit can be to the right (see FIG. 2A or 2B) or left(see FIG. 3B) of the first mounting portion, with right being preferred.The subsequent and first eyelash units are then connected to each otheras described herein, thereby said eyelash units are connected in astaggered (or cascading) fashion. A typical procedure as describedbefore is illustrated in FIG. 4. If any further eyelash unit is intendedto be connected to the first and subsequent eyelash units theafore-described process is to be repeated as often as desired. Forexample, a third eyelash unit is placed on top of the subsequent eyelashunit in the same way as said subsequent eyelash unit is placed on top ofthe first eyelash unit. The subsequent and first eyelash units are thenconnected to each other as described herein. FIG. 3C shows a preferredeyelash structure of the present invention that is obtainable by theafore-described method of connecting at least two eyelash units in acascading fashion.

In the alternative to the above, when at last two eyelash units areconnected in a cascading fashion, a first eyelash unit can be placedunder/below a subsequent eyelash unit, i.e. in descending fashion, suchthat the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit is not indirect contact with the mounting portion of the first eyelash unit.Specifically, the first eyelash unit is placed/below under the lashfilaments of the subsequent eyelash unit such that the mounting portionof the subsequent eyelash unit is not in direct contact with themounting portion of the first eyelash unit. As a result of thisconnection, the mounting portion of the subsequent eyelash unit can beto the right (see FIG. 2A or 2B) or left (see FIG. 3B) of the firstmounting portion, with right being preferred. The subsequent and firsteyelash units are then connected to each other as described herein,thereby said eyelash units are connected in a staggered (or cascading)fashion. If any further eyelash unit is intended to be connected to thefirst and subsequent eyelash units the afore-described process is to berepeated as often as desired. For example, a third eyelash unit isplaced under/below of the subsequent eyelash unit in the same way assaid subsequent eyelash unit is placed under/below the first eyelashunit in the same way as said first eyelash unit is placed under/belowthe subsequent eyelash unit. The subsequent and first eyelash units arethen connected to each other as described herein.

The term “cascading fashion” is used herein to refer to a way ofconnecting at least two eyelash units (which can be the same ordifferent) in an ascending or descending staggered way so that theirmounting portions are not in direct contact with each other. Anillustrative and preferred example of an eyelash structure of thepresent invention is shown in FIG. 3B, while the illustrative examplesof an eyelash structure shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B represent a morepreferred example of an eyelash structure of the present invention. Theterm “not in direct contact” means that the mounting portions of theeyelash units have a distance to each other of 1 mm or more, e.g., 1.5mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm. This distance is preferably over the entirelength of the mounting portions.

The mounting portion which is affixed to the eyelid will hereinafteralso be referred to as the “first mounting portion”, whereas themounting portions which are affixed to the first mounting portion in acascading fashion will be termed the “subsequent mounting portion(s)”.Preferably, the term “cascading fashion” is used to refer to a way ofconnecting at least two eyelash units wherein an upper eyelash unit isaffixed onto the lower eyelash unit, but is not in contact with themounting portion of the lower eyelash unit. It is envisaged that theupper mounting portion is affixed near the lower mounting portion.Preferably, the upper mounting portion is affixed directly to the lashfilaments of the lower eyelash unit. However, any other way ofconnecting upper and lower eyelash units are conceivable, as long as themounting portions of upper and lower eyelash units are not stacked.Thus, in general, the at least two eyelash units of the eyelashstructure of the present invention are not connected in a stackedfashion. An illustrative and preferred example of cascading eyelashes isshown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B or FIG. 3C.

The term “stacked” or “stacking” as used herein refers to a way ofconnecting at least two eyelash units, wherein the mounting portions ofthe eyelash units are in direct contact with each other, e.g., affixedon top of each other.

The eyelash units of the cascading eyelash structure of the inventionare preferably (exclusively) connected via the mounting portions. It isto be understood that “connected (exclusively) via the mountingportions” means connected as described in a cascading fashion, i.e. themounting portions of the eyelash units are not connected to each other.Rather, “connected via the mounting portions” herein means that theconnection means, such as glue or heat, affix the mounting portion ofthe upper eyelash unit to the lower eyelash unit, preferably to the lashfilaments of the lower eyelash unit.

The elongated mounting portion, herein also referred to as “mountingportion”, can be an eyelash band. It can be of any suitable material,e.g. natural or synthetic materials, as long as it preferably isnon-irritating to eye and/or skin and enables attachment (to the eyelidor to a lower eyelash unit).

It can in general be of any thickness, design and/or color. It may ormay not contain further adornments, such as rhinestones. It is onefurther envisaged to combine eyelash units with different mountingportions. With regard to color, mounting portions can in general haveany color, for example black, brown, or be transparent. Eyelash unitshaving different mounting portions can be combined in order to create adesired look. E.g., it is conceivable to combine only eyelash units withcolored (e.g., black or brown) mounting portions, e.g. to create anintensified look. It is however also conceivable to combine only eyelashunits with transparent mounting portions, e.g. to create a natural look.Eyelash units with colored and transparent mounting portions can also becombined.

The first mounting portion is in general attached to the eyelid using anadhesive strip, or a liquid or paste glue. The adhesive strip may bepre-fixed to the mounting portion. The liquid/paste type glue may beapplied as part of the affixation process. In general, any suitableadhesive strip or glue may be used. It is for example preferred that itdoes not irritate eyes and/or skin, is able to affix the eyelashstructure to the eyelid, and/or is removable. “Removable” means that theglue can be removed from eyelid and/or first mounting portion after theeyelash structure is detached from the eyelid, so that when repeated useof the eyelash structure is intended, fresh glue can be added to thefirst mounting portion.

In general, the eyelash structure of the invention can comprise as manyeyelash units as desired. Preferably, the eyelash structure comprises 2,3, 4 or 5 eyelash units.

It is envisaged that the eyelash units of the eyelash structure of theinvention are connected to each other permanently, preferably by glue orheat. However, it is also conceivable that the eyelash units areconnected to each other non-permanently, thereby enabling removal of oneor more eyelash units without rupturing the eyelash unit(s) whendesired.

It is one advantage of the present invention that eyelash units ofdifferent designs can be combined. Said eyelash units can differ interms of design (including applications, adornments, assembly of lashfilaments), color, material and/or length. Thus, the present inventionalso envisages an eyelash structure wherein at least two eyelash unitsare different, e.g. in terms of design, color, material and/or length.

However, it is also envisaged that eyelash units of the same designand/or style and/or color are combined in an eyelash structure of thepresent invention, e.g. in order to provide an enhanced look.

The lash filaments of the eyelash units can be of any suitable material.The material can differ from the material of the mounting portion, or itcan be the same material. The lash filaments can be of synthetic, or ofnatural material. Eyelash structures of the present invention can haveboth natural and synthetic lash filaments. Natural materials that aresuitable as lash filament materials are for example natural hair,feathers, silk and other natural materials

In one embodiment, the eyelash units are in the form of a full strip,corner lash, or a plurality of subassemblies.

“Full strip” means that the eyelash unit is a single assembly of lashfilaments for each eye. Such an assembly typically includes an elongatedmounting portion and lash filaments formed from, e.g. from syntheticfibers or natural hair. The mounting portion from which the lashfilaments extend typically corresponds approximately to the shape of theedge of an eyelid (hereafter referenced as “a lash line”, regardless ofwhether individual native lash filaments are present in that area). Themounting portion is usually temporarily affixed to the lash line usingan adhesive strip, or a liquid or paste adhesive. Where used, theadhesive strip is often pre-fixed to the mounting portion by themanufacturer. The liquid/paste type adhesive may be applied as part ofthe affixation process.“Corner” lashes are usually intended to be used at the lateral corner ofan eye. While corner lashes will fit the majority of eyes, theygenerally have a very specific shape. An eyelash structure being in theform of a plurality of subassemblies is, e.g., described in WO2007/138289, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising aneyelash structure as described herein, and optionally a glue or anadhesive strip as described herein. It may further contain one or moreof the following, a mirror, adhesive remover, scissors, tweezers, a lashapplication tool, a lash separator/comb, mascara, any other suitableitems to assist in affixing the eyelash structure.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a package comprisingan eyelash structure as described herein, optionally comprising orhaving imprinted instructions for use.

The present invention further provides a method for producing an eyelashstructure as defined herein, said method comprising selecting at leasttwo eyelash units from a pre-determined plurality of given eyelash unitsand connecting them in a cascading fashion as described herein. Theperson skilled in the art will readily understand that what has beendescribed in the context of the eyelash structure of the invention mayalso apply to the method of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Embodiments of the present invention also could be used in asystem-based approach, wherein different eyelash units are presented.This approach is particularly suitable for use in a professionalapplication, where a consultant is available to assist a wearer in theselection of a combination of eyelash units to create a desired effect.The eyelash units may, in such a case, be affixed to the wearer by theconsultant and/or taken by the wearer for self-affixation at a laterpoint in time.

A system-based approach is also suitable for use with computer-aidedeyelash design, where images of different eyelash units combinations canbe superimposed upon an image of the wearer, so that variouscombinations of eyelash units can be considered prior to making achoice. In such a process, the computer-aided design aspect can beoperated by a consultant or by the wearer. Such a process can even beconducted remotely over a network and/or via the Internet. For example,an image of the wearer could be uploaded to a remote server, thecomputer-aided design process conducted online, and the chosen eyelashstructure or eyelash unit purchased online for subsequent delivery viamail order or store pickup. This computer-aided system has particularbenefits in that the wearer can make a selection from a vast range ofpotential eyelash units which can be supplied directly from a warehouse(thus eliminating the need for large store inventories), and thesoftware can assist in making an appropriate selection (from among whatmight otherwise be a bewildering choice of potential lashsubassemblies). In such a case, the resulting eyelash structure couldquite reasonably be classed as “custom-made”.

While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the preferred embodiment above, it will beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various additionalembodiments may be contemplated without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. For example, though certain colors(e.g., black, brown, clear, etc.) and visual descriptor(s) (e.g.,“soft”, “delicate”, “rich”, “thick”, “chaotic”, “subtle”, etc.) havebeen used with reference to various eyelash structures and/or eyelashunits, each structure or unit may be provided with any color(s) and/orvisual descriptor(s), singly or in combination, as desired for aparticular application of the present invention; such design choices maybe made for any embodiment of the present invention without regard tothe naturalness of the resulting effect or any other consideration. TheFigures do not indicate absolute or relative scales of any features ofthe depicted embodiments. Any structures of the eyelash structure oreyelash unit according to any embodiment of the present invention may bemade with any suitable method, including, but not limited to, one-piececonstruction, multi-piece construction, knotting, molding, otheraffixation, or any combinations thereof, without deference to themanufacturing methods referenced herein.

Each eyelash structure or eyelash unit may exhibit any desired simple orcompound curves, curvilinear characteristics, rectilinearcharacteristics, or any combinations thereof when viewed from anydirection; for instance, the lash filaments of any embodiment of thepresent invention may curve downward, from a sagittal view, in much thesame manner as natural eyelashes curl or are commonly made to curl. Anydescribed use environments for the various embodiments of the presentinvention (e.g., theatrical applications) do not limit situations andembodiments in which the present invention could be used, but are merelyexamples. The specific values for lengths (absolute or relative) arepresented merely as examples of suitable dimensions for certainapplications of the present invention, and one of ordinary skill in theart can readily specify desired values, which may differ from thosesuggested, for a particular application. The eyelash structure can betemporarily affixed (e.g., by using removable adhesive) for short-termuse or can be more permanently affixed (e.g., by using a less readilyremovable adhesive or through other joining to the natural eyelashes oreye area structures) for more long-term use. The eyelash structure canbe one-time use, disposable products, or can be configured for repeateduses. The lash filaments may each have any suitable color, material,cross-sectional shape, construction, or any other traits as desired fora particular application of the present invention, and the lashfilaments making up a single eyelash unit need not be matched in anytraits except as desired. A device or method incorporating any of thesefeatures should be understood to fall under the scope of the presentinvention as determined based upon the claims below and any equivalentsthereof. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present inventioncan be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and theappended claims.

1. An eyelash structure comprising at least two eyelash units eachcomprising an elongated mounting portion and lash filaments, whereinsaid eyelash structure is characterized in that said mounting portionsof said at least two eyelash units are connected in a cascading fashion.2. The eyelash structure of claim 1, comprising 2, 3, 4, or 5 eyelashunits.
 3. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein the eyelash unitsare connected permanently.
 4. The eyelash structure of claim 1, whereinthe eye lash units are (exclusively) connected via the mountingportions.
 5. The eyelash structure of claim 3, wherein the connection ismediated by glue or heat.
 6. The eyelash structure of claim 1, whereinsaid at least two eyelash units are different.
 7. The eyelash structureof claim 6, wherein the eyelash units differ from each other in terms ofdesign, color, and/or length.
 8. The eyelash structure of claim 1,wherein said lash filaments of said at least two eyelash units aredifferent.
 9. The eyelash structure of claim 8, wherein said lashfilaments differ from each other in terms of design, color, length,and/or thickness.
 10. The eyelash structure of claim 1, wherein lashfilaments are natural or synthetic.
 11. The eyelash structure of claim1, wherein the elongated mounting portion of said at least two eyelashunits is transparent or colored.
 12. The eyelash structure of claim 1,wherein the eyelash units are in the form of a full strip, corner lash,or a plurality of subassemblies.
 13. A kit comprising an eyelashstructure as defined in claim 1, optionally comprising a glue.
 14. Apackage comprising an eyelash structure as defined in claim 1,optionally comprising or having imprinted instructions for use.
 15. Amethod for the production of an eyelash structure as defined in claim 1,comprising selecting at least two eyelash units from a pre-determinedplurality of given eyelash units and connecting them in a cascadingfashion.